Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has launched the second edition of the Riyadh Film Music Festival at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, drawing a wide audience of music composers, directors, filmmakers, and enthusiasts from across Saudi Arabia and abroad.

The festival runs through August 9, 2025.

Opening night featured a live orchestral performance that fused iconic visuals with powerful music, bringing scenes from legendary films to life through sound.

This year’s edition offers an immersive cinematic experience, featuring four global blockbusters — Top Gun: Maverick, Pirates of the Caribbean, Back to the Future, and The Lion King — with their soundtracks performed live by a full orchestra during film screenings.

Audiences were treated to timeless compositions including He’s a Pirate from Pirates of the Caribbean, Alan Silvestri’s score for Back to the Future, and Hans Zimmer’s acclaimed pieces from The Lion King.

The festival is part of the Commission’s broader initiative to enhance cultural and entertainment offerings for Riyadh residents and visitors, while positioning the Saudi capital as a global hub for the arts.